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The Only Suspect
THE NEW CAUTIONARY TALE OF OBSESSION, LOVE, JEALOUSY AND DECEPTION FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF OUR HOUSE AND THE OTHER PASSENGER
Wrong time. Wrong place. Wrong man.
Alex lives a comfortable life with his wife Beth in the leafy suburb of Silver Vale. Fine, so he’s not the most sociable guy on the street, he prefers to keep himself to himself, but he’s a good husband and an easy-going neighbour.
That’s until Beth announces the creation of a nature trail on a local site that’s been disused for decades and suddenly Alex is a changed man. Now he’s always watching. Questioning. Struggling to hide his dread . . .
As the landscapers get to work, a secret threatens to surface from years ago, back in Alex’s twenties when he got entangled with a seductive young woman called Marina, who threw both their lives into turmoil.
And who sparked a police hunt for a murder suspect that was never quite what it seemed. It still isn’t.
No one else could have done it. Could they?
Wrong time. Wrong place. Wrong man.
Alex lives a comfortable life with his wife Beth in the leafy suburb of Silver Vale. Fine, so he’s not the most sociable guy on the street, he prefers to keep himself to himself, but he’s a good husband and an easy-going neighbour.
That’s until Beth announces the creation of a nature trail on a local site that’s been disused for decades and suddenly Alex is a changed man. Now he’s always watching. Questioning. Struggling to hide his dread . . .
As the landscapers get to work, a secret threatens to surface from years ago, back in Alex’s twenties when he got entangled with a seductive young woman called Marina, who threw both their lives into turmoil.
And who sparked a police hunt for a murder suspect that was never quite what it seemed. It still isn’t.
No one else could have done it. Could they?
432 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2023
256 people are currently reading
5262 people want to read
About the author
Louise Candlish
39 books2,776 followersHello and welcome to my page... You may already know my domestic noir thrillers or perhaps you're curious and not sure which to try first - either way, you're in the right place!
My latest is OUR HOLIDAY, a Sunday Times bestseller, WHSmith Richard & Judy Book Club pick and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2025 nominee. It features my favourite ever love-to-hate characters Perry and Charlotte, second home owners in the idyllic English beach resort of Pine Ridge. It's now in development for the screen - I'll share news on that as soon as I can.
Next up is A NEIGHBOUR'S GUIDE TO MURDER, published in July 2025 (UK) and 2026 (US), available to pre-order now.
Last year I celebrated my 20th anniversary as an author with the news of two prestigious awards for my 90s-set thriller THE ONLY SUSPECT: the Capital Crime Fingerprint Award for Thriller of the Year and the Ned Kelly Award for Best International Crime Fiction. Stay tuned for TV news on that one too - it will be the next of mine to hit our screens!
OUR HOUSE is the one you may know me for as it's now a major four-part ITV drama starring Martin Compston and Tuppence Middleton (watch the full series free on ITVX). This is the novel that turned my career around, winning the 2019 British Book Awards Book of the Year - Crime & Thriller and shortlisted for the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award, the Capital Crime Amazon Publishing Best Crime Novel of the Year Award, and the Audible Sounds of Crime Award. It was also longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award and the Specsavers National Book Awards. A Waterstones Thriller of the Month, it recently received a Nielsen Bestseller Silver Award for 250,000 copies sold.
A bit about me: I live in a South London neighbourhood not unlike the one in my books, with my husband, daughter and a fox-red Labrador called Bertie who is the apple of my eye. Books, TV and long walks are my passions - and drinking wine in the sun with family and friends. Authors I love include Tom Wolfe, Patricia Highsmith, Barbara Vine, Agatha Christie and Evelyn Waugh. My favourite book is Madame Bovary.
Be the first to hear about new releases and price drops by clicking on the 'Follow' button under my pic or:
X/Twitter: louise_candlish
Instagram: louisecandlish
FB: LouiseCandlishAuthor
My latest is OUR HOLIDAY, a Sunday Times bestseller, WHSmith Richard & Judy Book Club pick and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2025 nominee. It features my favourite ever love-to-hate characters Perry and Charlotte, second home owners in the idyllic English beach resort of Pine Ridge. It's now in development for the screen - I'll share news on that as soon as I can.
Next up is A NEIGHBOUR'S GUIDE TO MURDER, published in July 2025 (UK) and 2026 (US), available to pre-order now.
Last year I celebrated my 20th anniversary as an author with the news of two prestigious awards for my 90s-set thriller THE ONLY SUSPECT: the Capital Crime Fingerprint Award for Thriller of the Year and the Ned Kelly Award for Best International Crime Fiction. Stay tuned for TV news on that one too - it will be the next of mine to hit our screens!
OUR HOUSE is the one you may know me for as it's now a major four-part ITV drama starring Martin Compston and Tuppence Middleton (watch the full series free on ITVX). This is the novel that turned my career around, winning the 2019 British Book Awards Book of the Year - Crime & Thriller and shortlisted for the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award, the Capital Crime Amazon Publishing Best Crime Novel of the Year Award, and the Audible Sounds of Crime Award. It was also longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award and the Specsavers National Book Awards. A Waterstones Thriller of the Month, it recently received a Nielsen Bestseller Silver Award for 250,000 copies sold.
A bit about me: I live in a South London neighbourhood not unlike the one in my books, with my husband, daughter and a fox-red Labrador called Bertie who is the apple of my eye. Books, TV and long walks are my passions - and drinking wine in the sun with family and friends. Authors I love include Tom Wolfe, Patricia Highsmith, Barbara Vine, Agatha Christie and Evelyn Waugh. My favourite book is Madame Bovary.
Be the first to hear about new releases and price drops by clicking on the 'Follow' button under my pic or:
X/Twitter: louise_candlish
Instagram: louisecandlish
FB: LouiseCandlishAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 747 reviews
November 27, 2022
*4.5 stars*
Alex and his wife Beth live in Silver Vale, a nice peaceful secluded area, and although Alex prefers to keep himself to himself, and Beth is the opposite, and likes to get involved in community projects, they’re both happy enough. However, when Beth tells Alex about the development of a nature trail right behind their home, Alex becomes very anxious, because he has a very dark secret and the landscapers may inadvertently be about to reveal it!
Dual timelines take us from the present, back to 1995, where we meet twenty something Rick, living the single life in Camden, London, that is until he meets Marina, a beautiful ethereal girl who works in the same office building as him, and from there on in, his life changes irrevocably, and not necessarily for the better. All manner of madness and mayhem is about to be unleashed.
Though there’s something of a slow build up, it gives us chance to become familiar with the main characters, to get a real feel for them. The storyline is complex but very clever, and although there are many twists, there’s one in particular that blew me away, I just never saw it coming. With a great sense of time and place, and an edgy feel right the way through, this is a terrific read!
Alex and his wife Beth live in Silver Vale, a nice peaceful secluded area, and although Alex prefers to keep himself to himself, and Beth is the opposite, and likes to get involved in community projects, they’re both happy enough. However, when Beth tells Alex about the development of a nature trail right behind their home, Alex becomes very anxious, because he has a very dark secret and the landscapers may inadvertently be about to reveal it!
Dual timelines take us from the present, back to 1995, where we meet twenty something Rick, living the single life in Camden, London, that is until he meets Marina, a beautiful ethereal girl who works in the same office building as him, and from there on in, his life changes irrevocably, and not necessarily for the better. All manner of madness and mayhem is about to be unleashed.
Though there’s something of a slow build up, it gives us chance to become familiar with the main characters, to get a real feel for them. The storyline is complex but very clever, and although there are many twists, there’s one in particular that blew me away, I just never saw it coming. With a great sense of time and place, and an edgy feel right the way through, this is a terrific read!
October 27, 2022
Why does the councils decision to give the go-ahead for a nature trail on a track behind Alex and his wife Beth‘s home turn his limbs to dust and horror fill his heart? From this point on Alex seems to be a much changed man. Does it link to a turbulent few months when he’s in his 20s following his meeting Marina Stanley? The timeline from the present day and back to 1995 blend extremely well and deepen the sense of mystery and intrigue which is present from the very start.
Both timelines are equally riveting. The 1990s vibe of the London scene when you’re young is captured well. Add in some obsession and some behaviour that strikes distinctly off notes and which deepens the enigmatic puzzle. In the present day Alex’s unease is almost palpable and some of his actions raise an eyebrow as they are so questionable. There seems to be encroaching danger and things coming from several angles in both periods of time. There are threats of discovery making the atmosphere extremely intense . It’s brim full of tension occasionally relieved by some dark humour. There is a sense of impending doom overhanging both periods of time which weighs heavy.
Just as you think you might have it all figured out some bombshells are dropped - as does my jaw! The twists keep on coming and coming especially towards the end and as per usual Louise Candlish has me perched on the edge of my seat, super glued to the dramatic events of the plot.
The characterisation is very good, there’s a good range, from one who is gullible, one who seems guileless, one to fear, one or two to clench your fists in irritation and one master duper. The author certainly keeps you on your toes with this bunch!
This is excellent storytelling, it’s full of unpredictability and is a clever slow burner of a psychological thriller. It’s a cracking read and one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Both timelines are equally riveting. The 1990s vibe of the London scene when you’re young is captured well. Add in some obsession and some behaviour that strikes distinctly off notes and which deepens the enigmatic puzzle. In the present day Alex’s unease is almost palpable and some of his actions raise an eyebrow as they are so questionable. There seems to be encroaching danger and things coming from several angles in both periods of time. There are threats of discovery making the atmosphere extremely intense . It’s brim full of tension occasionally relieved by some dark humour. There is a sense of impending doom overhanging both periods of time which weighs heavy.
Just as you think you might have it all figured out some bombshells are dropped - as does my jaw! The twists keep on coming and coming especially towards the end and as per usual Louise Candlish has me perched on the edge of my seat, super glued to the dramatic events of the plot.
The characterisation is very good, there’s a good range, from one who is gullible, one who seems guileless, one to fear, one or two to clench your fists in irritation and one master duper. The author certainly keeps you on your toes with this bunch!
This is excellent storytelling, it’s full of unpredictability and is a clever slow burner of a psychological thriller. It’s a cracking read and one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
May 17, 2023
Thank you Simon & Schuster UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are ALWAYS honest.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
SYNOPSIS
Alex is living his best suburban lief with Beth until the creation of a nature trail is announced, threatening to expose decades-old secrets.
MY OPINION
This is my second Louise Candlish novel and once again we've landed in 3 star territory. I do think this was a better 3-star than Our House, but the slow pace and the unnecessary Zara drama held the book back from being a 4-star.
While Alex isn't likeable, I kinda fked with him on the basis that he doesn't overdo the Mr. Nice Guy(TM) charade. While he's definitely not true to himself, he is entertaining in a way. I found his snarky and cheeky inner monologue to be amusing. Yes, Beth deserves better, without a doubt. And no, I don't want to be married to Alex. But hey, if you're gonna give me a bad guy, give me a funny one at least 😂 It kinda reminded me of Lucas from Never Coming Home.
The writing was quite good; much stronger than Our House. Referring to kids as ankle-biters is hilarious idc. But it was toooooo slow. And not bogged down by similes slow, it was more like Karin Slaughter type of slow. While it did ratchet up the suspense in the sense that I REALLY wanted to get to the point and find out how if my predictions were correct (spoiler: they were) but I was waaaayyyy too tempted to skip ahead vs. settle in an enjoy the ride. I felt the drama between Alex and Zara was inserted just to give some purpose to the present day scenes other than Alex spiralling with worry. The flashbacks were painful tbh; I wanted to reach in the pages and shake Rick. Dude must've been colour blind the way he was ignoring all those red flags.
As I said, I was right on the money with the twists, which I think made the flashbacks that much more painful to pick through. You knew where it was heading and all you could do was brace for impact. Also, if you read the Table of Contents, it kinda gives away the twist... just sayin'.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: funny, well-written, I kinda liked Alex even though I shouldn't have
Cons: too slow, predictable, Alex vs Zara was unnecessary
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
SYNOPSIS
Alex is living his best suburban lief with Beth until the creation of a nature trail is announced, threatening to expose decades-old secrets.
MY OPINION
This is my second Louise Candlish novel and once again we've landed in 3 star territory. I do think this was a better 3-star than Our House, but the slow pace and the unnecessary Zara drama held the book back from being a 4-star.
While Alex isn't likeable, I kinda fked with him on the basis that he doesn't overdo the Mr. Nice Guy(TM) charade. While he's definitely not true to himself, he is entertaining in a way. I found his snarky and cheeky inner monologue to be amusing. Yes, Beth deserves better, without a doubt. And no, I don't want to be married to Alex. But hey, if you're gonna give me a bad guy, give me a funny one at least 😂 It kinda reminded me of Lucas from Never Coming Home.
The writing was quite good; much stronger than Our House. Referring to kids as ankle-biters is hilarious idc. But it was toooooo slow. And not bogged down by similes slow, it was more like Karin Slaughter type of slow. While it did ratchet up the suspense in the sense that I REALLY wanted to get to the point and find out how if my predictions were correct (spoiler: they were) but I was waaaayyyy too tempted to skip ahead vs. settle in an enjoy the ride. I felt the drama between Alex and Zara was inserted just to give some purpose to the present day scenes other than Alex spiralling with worry. The flashbacks were painful tbh; I wanted to reach in the pages and shake Rick. Dude must've been colour blind the way he was ignoring all those red flags.
As I said, I was right on the money with the twists, which I think made the flashbacks that much more painful to pick through. You knew where it was heading and all you could do was brace for impact. Also, if you read the Table of Contents, it kinda gives away the twist... just sayin'.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: funny, well-written, I kinda liked Alex even though I shouldn't have
Cons: too slow, predictable, Alex vs Zara was unnecessary
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
July 13, 2023
Alex and Beth live in an affluent suburb and seem to be living an idyllic existence. That is, until a nature trail is being developed in the area. What might be uncovered? Whatever it is, it has Alex spooked and on edge.
Told in alternating timelines from 1995 to the present, we meet Rick, a young single man, who falls head over heels with the mysterious Mirena. They make an intricate plan to escape and run away together but things don’t quite go as planned.
How do the stories of Alex and Rick intersect?
The story that unfolds is taut and complex, and the sense of impending doom kept me riveted. There are plenty of secrets to be unearthed, and both timelines are equally compelling. There are plenty of twists and red herrings along the way but the final reveal blew me away.
Brilliant! Highly recommend, especially on audio with a full cast narration. I was riveted from beginning to end.
March 26, 2023
EXCERPT: Alex - May, present
Black skies would have made a more fitting backdrop, some monstrous winter storm that tore the house from its foundations, but as it transpired the moment he'd been dreading for twenty-five years came on a still, gentle morning in May.
ABOUT 'THE ONLY SUSPECT': Wrong time. Wrong place. Wrong man.
Alex lives a comfortable life with his wife Beth in the leafy suburb of Silver Vale. Fine, so he’s not the most sociable guy on the street, he prefers to keep himself to himself, but he’s a good husband and an easy-going neighbour.
That’s until Beth announces the creation of a nature trail on a local site that’s been disused for decades and suddenly Alex is a changed man. Now he’s always watching. Questioning. Struggling to hide his dread . . .
As the landscapers get to work, a secret threatens to surface from years ago, back in Alex’s twenties when he got entangled with a seductive young woman called Marina, who threw both their lives into turmoil.
And who sparked a police hunt for a murder suspect that was never quite what it seemed. It still isn’t.
No one else could have done it. Could they?
MY THOUGHTS: I loved that opening paragraph; it's so full of promise. Unfortunately it's a promise that isn't delivered.
The Only Suspect is a slow burn - a very slow burn, well, more of a simmer, really - that doesn't really get interesting until over half way through. By that time I was well and truly into 'yeah, nah' mode and wondering if I was reading the same book as everyone else.
I was excited by the developments around the 60% mark, but only briefly, and even the twist towards the end failed to rekindle my interest.
A decidedly average book from one of my favourite authors.
⭐⭐.7
#TheOnlySuspectLouiseCandlish #NetGalley
I: #theonlysuspectlouisecandlish @simonandschuster
T: @louise_candlish @simonschuster
#contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery #mystery #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: Before writing fiction, I studied English at University College London and worked as an illustrated book editor and advertising copywriter.
I live in a South London neighbourhood not unlike the one in my novels with my husband, teenage daughter, and our fox-red Labrador Bertie.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia for providing a digital ARC of The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Black skies would have made a more fitting backdrop, some monstrous winter storm that tore the house from its foundations, but as it transpired the moment he'd been dreading for twenty-five years came on a still, gentle morning in May.
ABOUT 'THE ONLY SUSPECT': Wrong time. Wrong place. Wrong man.
Alex lives a comfortable life with his wife Beth in the leafy suburb of Silver Vale. Fine, so he’s not the most sociable guy on the street, he prefers to keep himself to himself, but he’s a good husband and an easy-going neighbour.
That’s until Beth announces the creation of a nature trail on a local site that’s been disused for decades and suddenly Alex is a changed man. Now he’s always watching. Questioning. Struggling to hide his dread . . .
As the landscapers get to work, a secret threatens to surface from years ago, back in Alex’s twenties when he got entangled with a seductive young woman called Marina, who threw both their lives into turmoil.
And who sparked a police hunt for a murder suspect that was never quite what it seemed. It still isn’t.
No one else could have done it. Could they?
MY THOUGHTS: I loved that opening paragraph; it's so full of promise. Unfortunately it's a promise that isn't delivered.
The Only Suspect is a slow burn - a very slow burn, well, more of a simmer, really - that doesn't really get interesting until over half way through. By that time I was well and truly into 'yeah, nah' mode and wondering if I was reading the same book as everyone else.
I was excited by the developments around the 60% mark, but only briefly, and even the twist towards the end failed to rekindle my interest.
A decidedly average book from one of my favourite authors.
⭐⭐.7
#TheOnlySuspectLouiseCandlish #NetGalley
I: #theonlysuspectlouisecandlish @simonandschuster
T: @louise_candlish @simonschuster
#contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery #mystery #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: Before writing fiction, I studied English at University College London and worked as an illustrated book editor and advertising copywriter.
I live in a South London neighbourhood not unlike the one in my novels with my husband, teenage daughter, and our fox-red Labrador Bertie.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia for providing a digital ARC of The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
January 31, 2023
An excellent thriller that had me wondering what was going on and who was deceiving who. I guessed at least one twist but not how it had happened so there were plenty of twists and turns. The writing was enjoyable, and the pacing is good. It’s told in dual timeline, alternatively 1995 and the present. In the first timeline the focus is on Rick, a man in his twenties who starts a relationship with a woman called Marina who works in the same building as him. Another character in 1995 is Rick’s flatmate Rollo, upper class but always short of cash and a party boy. In the current timeline Alex is married to Beth and they live near an old nature walk where a murder took place in 1995. It becomes clear quite quickly that Alex is somehow involved in the murder. A satisfying read.
February 12, 2023
Louise Candlish's "The Only Suspect" received stellar reviews from my trusted GR reviewers and friends.
Yet, I struggled with upping the number of stars in my 3-star review.
I almost always enjoy cautionary tales of obsession, love, jealousy, and deception.
Yet, this book simply was not for me.
WHY?
The book's pacing was very, very slow-burn.
In addition, I found this book to be overwritten.
In other words, this 10.5-hour audiobook easily could have unfolded in 7.5 hours, without compromising any elements of the storyline.
My very, very favorite Louise Candlish novella was "The Skylight" (2-hour audiobook).
I listened to the full-cast audiobook and all of the narrators did a superb job with the narration.
3 stars rounded up.
Yet, I struggled with upping the number of stars in my 3-star review.
I almost always enjoy cautionary tales of obsession, love, jealousy, and deception.
Yet, this book simply was not for me.
WHY?
The book's pacing was very, very slow-burn.
In addition, I found this book to be overwritten.
In other words, this 10.5-hour audiobook easily could have unfolded in 7.5 hours, without compromising any elements of the storyline.
My very, very favorite Louise Candlish novella was "The Skylight" (2-hour audiobook).
I listened to the full-cast audiobook and all of the narrators did a superb job with the narration.
3 stars rounded up.
December 15, 2022
Yes, yes yes, Louise Candlish, you got me again! Every single book of hers that I have read has left me gasping out loud, and The Only Suspect was no different. I could not read it fast enough, desperate to see what would happen next. It was clever and unpredictable and I just loved it. Get in the Louise Candlish train, you will not be sorry.
Told over 2 timelines, this book will certainly keep you guessing. In the present day, we meet Alex, a very private man, living with his wife and is happy. That is until he learns of plans to clear the land nearby and extend the nature strip. But why is he so scared of this development? In 1995, we meet Rick, who falls deeply in love with a Marina , a temp from his building. But things are. It what they seem here either. What is the connection and what happens to these characters? Be prepared to be shocked. So so good.
Thanks so much to Simon and Schuster UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on February 1st.
Told over 2 timelines, this book will certainly keep you guessing. In the present day, we meet Alex, a very private man, living with his wife and is happy. That is until he learns of plans to clear the land nearby and extend the nature strip. But why is he so scared of this development? In 1995, we meet Rick, who falls deeply in love with a Marina , a temp from his building. But things are. It what they seem here either. What is the connection and what happens to these characters? Be prepared to be shocked. So so good.
Thanks so much to Simon and Schuster UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on February 1st.
February 20, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Bestselling author Lucy Foley is a huge fan of Louise Candlish’s writing and so am I! The Only Suspect is a tantalising domestic mystery that had me on edge from the very beginning of this story to the end. A tale of jeopardy, passion, fixation, lies, deceit and envy, The Only Suspect is a duplicitous piece of modern psychological fiction.
A story of fabricated truths and longstanding lies, The Only Suspect is the latest release from British author Louise Candlish. This new Louise Candlish novel follows Alex, a man who seems to live a happy and settled life with his wife Beth. Alex and Beth live in the affluent suburb of Silver Vale. Alex is a man who likes to keep to himself and fly under the radar. Alex’s carefully cultivated existence is rocked by the development of a new nature trail in his local area. For some strange reason this site has Alex completely on edge and very scared of what might be unearthed. Alex is soon transported back to his younger days as a hedonistic twenty-something. A beautiful young woman captured his heart and something else all those years ago, then she disappeared. A suspect was lined up but this never really added up at the time. Will this decades old mystery finally be solved thanks to the opening of the new nature trail?
Louise Candlish entered my reading sphere back in 2018, when I read one of her most popular novels, Our House. This novel has since been turned into a television series which I hope to check out soon based on my enjoyment of The Only Suspect. As soon as I cracked this one open, I was mesmerised, The Only Suspect was a brilliant read.
Many of the reviews I have read of The Only Suspect point to this one being a slow burn mystery. I love these kinds of novels immensely as they seem to pull me right in and make me slow down my naturally fast reading style. I was happy to take my time with this one and I loved all the little breadcrumbs Candlish left surrounding this mystery. It was a tense and taut ride throughout the pages of The Only Suspect. There are plenty of twists and big ones at that! I was on high alert with one of the main characters in this tale but the story didn’t go quite the way I anticipated, which was excellent!
Candlish adopts an engrossing past to present style narrative in The Only Suspect that had me hooked. I was incredibly drawn to the 1995 storyline thread and Rick’s story. Rick was a compelling character and I found that I was utterly consumed by his journey. There was also a sense of nostalgia attached to this mid 1990s timeframe, as I remember being a teenager in the UK at this time. Candlish takes us directly to the events in both time stages and I was fully immersed in the action of each respective era. The cast have been carefully plucked and refined by Candlish. Alex was a rather shady protagonist from the start and I never really warmed to his wife Beth. Rick was another story completely. Despite Rick’s dodgy stalker like behaviour, I couldn’t help but feel drawn to him. Rick’s obsessive romance with an ultimately destructive woman he meets was a fascinating component of The Only Suspect. This relationship progression and unravelling really makes the book in my eyes. I couldn’t put it down, no matter how hard I tried to the resist the charms of this one! The steps taken towards the close of The Only Suspect was masterful, I couldn’t predict where Louise Candlish was going with her latest release!
Surprising, intoxicating, elliptical and vexing, The Only Suspect is a five star read from Louise Candlish.
*I wish to thank Simon & Schuster Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Bestselling author Lucy Foley is a huge fan of Louise Candlish’s writing and so am I! The Only Suspect is a tantalising domestic mystery that had me on edge from the very beginning of this story to the end. A tale of jeopardy, passion, fixation, lies, deceit and envy, The Only Suspect is a duplicitous piece of modern psychological fiction.
A story of fabricated truths and longstanding lies, The Only Suspect is the latest release from British author Louise Candlish. This new Louise Candlish novel follows Alex, a man who seems to live a happy and settled life with his wife Beth. Alex and Beth live in the affluent suburb of Silver Vale. Alex is a man who likes to keep to himself and fly under the radar. Alex’s carefully cultivated existence is rocked by the development of a new nature trail in his local area. For some strange reason this site has Alex completely on edge and very scared of what might be unearthed. Alex is soon transported back to his younger days as a hedonistic twenty-something. A beautiful young woman captured his heart and something else all those years ago, then she disappeared. A suspect was lined up but this never really added up at the time. Will this decades old mystery finally be solved thanks to the opening of the new nature trail?
Louise Candlish entered my reading sphere back in 2018, when I read one of her most popular novels, Our House. This novel has since been turned into a television series which I hope to check out soon based on my enjoyment of The Only Suspect. As soon as I cracked this one open, I was mesmerised, The Only Suspect was a brilliant read.
Many of the reviews I have read of The Only Suspect point to this one being a slow burn mystery. I love these kinds of novels immensely as they seem to pull me right in and make me slow down my naturally fast reading style. I was happy to take my time with this one and I loved all the little breadcrumbs Candlish left surrounding this mystery. It was a tense and taut ride throughout the pages of The Only Suspect. There are plenty of twists and big ones at that! I was on high alert with one of the main characters in this tale but the story didn’t go quite the way I anticipated, which was excellent!
Candlish adopts an engrossing past to present style narrative in The Only Suspect that had me hooked. I was incredibly drawn to the 1995 storyline thread and Rick’s story. Rick was a compelling character and I found that I was utterly consumed by his journey. There was also a sense of nostalgia attached to this mid 1990s timeframe, as I remember being a teenager in the UK at this time. Candlish takes us directly to the events in both time stages and I was fully immersed in the action of each respective era. The cast have been carefully plucked and refined by Candlish. Alex was a rather shady protagonist from the start and I never really warmed to his wife Beth. Rick was another story completely. Despite Rick’s dodgy stalker like behaviour, I couldn’t help but feel drawn to him. Rick’s obsessive romance with an ultimately destructive woman he meets was a fascinating component of The Only Suspect. This relationship progression and unravelling really makes the book in my eyes. I couldn’t put it down, no matter how hard I tried to the resist the charms of this one! The steps taken towards the close of The Only Suspect was masterful, I couldn’t predict where Louise Candlish was going with her latest release!
Surprising, intoxicating, elliptical and vexing, The Only Suspect is a five star read from Louise Candlish.
*I wish to thank Simon & Schuster Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
April 10, 2023
The Only Suspect is the sixteenth novel by British author, Louise Candlish. When his wife’s activist group succeeds in their campaign to get a local walking trail reopened, Alex Parker gets nervous. Even though he and Beth have only lived in Silver Vale for ten years, he knows a lot more than he’s letting on about the murder that happened twenty-five years earlier, and he’s worried what might be unearthed if someone starts digging. Avoiding having his photo appear in the media is also a priority.
Adding to his disquiet, Beth has taken pity on an acquaintance, recently dumped by the man who got her pregnant, driven out of her job, and homeless, and invited her to stay. Alex is not at all convinced that Zara Lloyd’s predicament is genuine, and wonders what her true agenda might be. Or is that just his paranoia talking?
Back in 1995, Rick Ward was working in London as an auditor when he met Marina and fell head over heels. But Marina wasn’t entirely truthful about her situation, at first. Eventually, she revealed that she was married to a controlling man, Drew Stanley, and their luxury home in Silver Vale was virtually her prison.
When he spots her bruises, Rick is determined to save Marina from her brute of a husband, and he cooks up a plan to which she eventually agrees. But things don’t go quite as he had hoped: instead of hiding out with his beloved, he’s trying to stay under the radar, wanted by the police.
Once again, Candlish gives the reader a tightly-plotted tale with plenty of red herrings and distractions that keep the reader guessing right up to the final, fantastic twist and reveal. Her setting and era are perfectly rendered, and her characters recall people we all meet in everyday life, even if many of them are not at all what they first seem to be. This is excellent slow-burn British crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia.
Adding to his disquiet, Beth has taken pity on an acquaintance, recently dumped by the man who got her pregnant, driven out of her job, and homeless, and invited her to stay. Alex is not at all convinced that Zara Lloyd’s predicament is genuine, and wonders what her true agenda might be. Or is that just his paranoia talking?
Back in 1995, Rick Ward was working in London as an auditor when he met Marina and fell head over heels. But Marina wasn’t entirely truthful about her situation, at first. Eventually, she revealed that she was married to a controlling man, Drew Stanley, and their luxury home in Silver Vale was virtually her prison.
When he spots her bruises, Rick is determined to save Marina from her brute of a husband, and he cooks up a plan to which she eventually agrees. But things don’t go quite as he had hoped: instead of hiding out with his beloved, he’s trying to stay under the radar, wanted by the police.
Once again, Candlish gives the reader a tightly-plotted tale with plenty of red herrings and distractions that keep the reader guessing right up to the final, fantastic twist and reveal. Her setting and era are perfectly rendered, and her characters recall people we all meet in everyday life, even if many of them are not at all what they first seem to be. This is excellent slow-burn British crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia.
Read
June 1, 2023The Only Suspect is a suspenseful, thrilling and breath-taking mystery about the dark secrets that live in the past, and the paralysing fear that they'll be uncovered. If you thought you misbehaved in the nineties you've got nothing on the devious, duplicitous cast of this book. Gripping, unpredictable and tense, it'll keep you guessing all all the way through.
April 19, 2023
I was so excited about the opportunity to read this book! Candlish is an auto-read author for me.
I was prepared for a twisty story, but Candlish outdid herself on this one! I'm still in awe of how she can sneak up on me and pull the carpet out from underneath me. Be prepared for a quick-paced, dual timeline with equally compelling and equally twisty plots. Candlish explores how well we really know those we love and what lengths we'll go to get what we want.
Without giving too much away, just know that all is not as it seems. In classic Candlish style, she pulls readers into the backstory and reveals just what we need to believe the story at THAT moment, then she plants a seed of doubt, a single word or phrasing, that has readers questioning everything they've read up to that point.
I couldn't put this book down! It was so believable.
There'll be no DNA kits bought in this house in the foreseeable future!
I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was prepared for a twisty story, but Candlish outdid herself on this one! I'm still in awe of how she can sneak up on me and pull the carpet out from underneath me. Be prepared for a quick-paced, dual timeline with equally compelling and equally twisty plots. Candlish explores how well we really know those we love and what lengths we'll go to get what we want.
Without giving too much away, just know that all is not as it seems. In classic Candlish style, she pulls readers into the backstory and reveals just what we need to believe the story at THAT moment, then she plants a seed of doubt, a single word or phrasing, that has readers questioning everything they've read up to that point.
I couldn't put this book down! It was so believable.
There'll be no DNA kits bought in this house in the foreseeable future!
I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 19, 2023
A good read but not as good as some her other work. The ending was predictable and rather lack lustre. I think that I will be in the minority with this review as other readers seemed to enjoy it much more than me. But this my review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
November 5, 2023
I was slightly disappointed with Candlish's latest release, though that's probably down to high expectations of really enjoying her previous novels.
One aspect of this title I did enjoy was the past narrative being set during 1995, I really appreciated so many of the cultural references of the time.
The story opens in the present day with Alex, who's really not thrilled to hear that his wife Beth announces the opening of a nature trail on a local disused site.
Obviously Alex has a secret hidden that he doesn't want to be discovered.
I found myself mainly wanting to get to the Rick chapters, partly for nostalgia whilst also wanting to know what happened - which unfortunately made the present day sections drag.
One aspect of this title I did enjoy was the past narrative being set during 1995, I really appreciated so many of the cultural references of the time.
The story opens in the present day with Alex, who's really not thrilled to hear that his wife Beth announces the opening of a nature trail on a local disused site.
Obviously Alex has a secret hidden that he doesn't want to be discovered.
I found myself mainly wanting to get to the Rick chapters, partly for nostalgia whilst also wanting to know what happened - which unfortunately made the present day sections drag.
May 3, 2023
The Only Suspect doesn’t let you breathe for one second. Hugely character driven that leads you through a maze of mystery with hidden traps that want, no need, to trip you up.
The Only Suspect is razor-sharp in its ability to engage its reader in a fall from reality. Nothing gets me giddier than a crime fiction novel that requires the reader to use their brain and their wit to get to the conclusion. Even when I thought I had it all worked out…I was dead wrong, on every count. A crime novel, domestic in its nature and deadly in its outcome, The Only Suspect has me salivating for more novels written by Louise Candlish, she has a skill that isn’t easily replicated.
You know what they say – love makes the world go round, and for Rick he is just about willing to do anything for his love, Marina. After meeting her one summer’s afternoon whilst she temped in the same building as him, he knew he’d never be the same again. But he never quite anticipated just how disastrous his life would become after becoming embroiled in her personal problems. 1995 was a year he’d never forget, for all the wrong reasons. Candlish focuses heavily on relationships and the pull they have upon us. Is it only natural to ignore the red flags that any rational person would point out? Does love make us completely blind?
Marina has a difficult life. She’s married to Drew Stanley, a businessman specialising in flooring. A thick set, intense man that brokers no disagreement to what could happen to you if you interfere in his personal life. Marina states that he controls her in all aspects, from her working life to her family to what she is allowed to wear. She is completely miserable. She knows what rules to follow and sees no other way out – not until she meets and gets to know, dependable Rick. He cares deeply for her and wants to help her find a way to help her escape the tyranny of Drew – even saving a fund for her new life. If he really examined things though, would things seem amiss or is it merely the situation?
Alex, told in the present day is married to Beth. Their relationship is also fraught with difficulties. They’ve struggled to conceive a child and now the boat has well and truly sailed with Alex reaching his fiftieth birthday. He likes his privacy, doesn’t like to be paraded or have his picture taken, low key is his middle name. Things could get tricky though with the opening of the new path at the nature reserve being dug up. The scene of a grisly murder twenty years ago in which he’s connected, could his game of Jenga come tumbling down?
Death, domestic abuse, control, and deceit make this an impeccable crime thriller. Louise Candlish serves it with a helping of beautiful prose that hints at the threatening nature of its conclusion and other times hits you full on with the force of a guillotine. This is definitely a book that you’re going to want to switch off all devices, grab a comfy blanket and all the tea you can drink because when you start – you won’t want to stop.
The Only Suspect is razor-sharp in its ability to engage its reader in a fall from reality. Nothing gets me giddier than a crime fiction novel that requires the reader to use their brain and their wit to get to the conclusion. Even when I thought I had it all worked out…I was dead wrong, on every count. A crime novel, domestic in its nature and deadly in its outcome, The Only Suspect has me salivating for more novels written by Louise Candlish, she has a skill that isn’t easily replicated.
You know what they say – love makes the world go round, and for Rick he is just about willing to do anything for his love, Marina. After meeting her one summer’s afternoon whilst she temped in the same building as him, he knew he’d never be the same again. But he never quite anticipated just how disastrous his life would become after becoming embroiled in her personal problems. 1995 was a year he’d never forget, for all the wrong reasons. Candlish focuses heavily on relationships and the pull they have upon us. Is it only natural to ignore the red flags that any rational person would point out? Does love make us completely blind?
Marina has a difficult life. She’s married to Drew Stanley, a businessman specialising in flooring. A thick set, intense man that brokers no disagreement to what could happen to you if you interfere in his personal life. Marina states that he controls her in all aspects, from her working life to her family to what she is allowed to wear. She is completely miserable. She knows what rules to follow and sees no other way out – not until she meets and gets to know, dependable Rick. He cares deeply for her and wants to help her find a way to help her escape the tyranny of Drew – even saving a fund for her new life. If he really examined things though, would things seem amiss or is it merely the situation?
Alex, told in the present day is married to Beth. Their relationship is also fraught with difficulties. They’ve struggled to conceive a child and now the boat has well and truly sailed with Alex reaching his fiftieth birthday. He likes his privacy, doesn’t like to be paraded or have his picture taken, low key is his middle name. Things could get tricky though with the opening of the new path at the nature reserve being dug up. The scene of a grisly murder twenty years ago in which he’s connected, could his game of Jenga come tumbling down?
Death, domestic abuse, control, and deceit make this an impeccable crime thriller. Louise Candlish serves it with a helping of beautiful prose that hints at the threatening nature of its conclusion and other times hits you full on with the force of a guillotine. This is definitely a book that you’re going to want to switch off all devices, grab a comfy blanket and all the tea you can drink because when you start – you won’t want to stop.
February 20, 2023
4.5 / 5
Ever since reading The heights, I’ve always remembered Louise Candlish’s name. So when I heard that another book was written by her, I was so excited to get my hands on it.
I was completely blown away by this book, the plot is a quite a simple plot but the way the storylines are fed, and intertwined (as one story line is present currently, whilst another running alongside but occurring in 1995) added to the mystery. The ending is what shocked me the most, I was very confident on how I saw the plot would end, and twist at the end was something I did not see coming.
There’s just something about how Candlish does it, the sudden twist of the plot completely out of the dark which leaves you speechless. First the heights and now this book. I think it’s the really subtle hints of trickery that’s added. As you read the book, the level of trust develops, you’re so engrossed and almost tunnel visioned. It feels like when you go fishing, but from the fishes’ perspective. You take the bait and before you know you’re reeled in. Also, I think the reading experience added to it. The physical hardback and quality of the pages is super thick, well made with a strong binding. Turning the pages added to the experience. The only downside was that the ink smudges too much and some was transferring to my hands/ fingers, which is why I knocked off half a star. But overall I would highly recommend this book, if you’ve read the heights, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
Ever since reading The heights, I’ve always remembered Louise Candlish’s name. So when I heard that another book was written by her, I was so excited to get my hands on it.
I was completely blown away by this book, the plot is a quite a simple plot but the way the storylines are fed, and intertwined (as one story line is present currently, whilst another running alongside but occurring in 1995) added to the mystery. The ending is what shocked me the most, I was very confident on how I saw the plot would end, and twist at the end was something I did not see coming.
There’s just something about how Candlish does it, the sudden twist of the plot completely out of the dark which leaves you speechless. First the heights and now this book. I think it’s the really subtle hints of trickery that’s added. As you read the book, the level of trust develops, you’re so engrossed and almost tunnel visioned. It feels like when you go fishing, but from the fishes’ perspective. You take the bait and before you know you’re reeled in. Also, I think the reading experience added to it. The physical hardback and quality of the pages is super thick, well made with a strong binding. Turning the pages added to the experience. The only downside was that the ink smudges too much and some was transferring to my hands/ fingers, which is why I knocked off half a star. But overall I would highly recommend this book, if you’ve read the heights, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
December 15, 2022
A nature trail is being constructed near Alex and Beth’s home. Most of the neighbourhood is looking forward to this by Alex is terrified that a secret will be unearthed.
A slow burning thriller with quite a few twist and turns and plenty of unlikeable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A slow burning thriller with quite a few twist and turns and plenty of unlikeable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2023
What a brilliantly deceptive, wicked and clever mystery this was! Louise Candlish is getting better and better.
Rolling out in two separate timelines, the mid-nineties and today, we get transported straight into the lives of two men, Alex and Rick, whose lives will spectacularly intersect later in the book. This is all I am willing to say – you really should go into this one blind and let you take it along its winding dangerous path (which incidentally also features in the story).
Cleverly constructed and tricking you by its innocuous beginning, THE ONLY SUSPECT was one of those psychological thrillers I couldn’t put down until I had all the answers. If you love mysteries where nothing is quite what it seems and every character has a secret to guard, then this is definitely the right book for you!
PS: I never give trigger warnings, but you may get a laugh out of this one: I think I have a phobia of house guests that overstay their welcome, because there was a part in the book where I felt myself becoming very anxious, with sweating palms and a racing heart, and perhaps discovering some slightly murderous tendencies within my own heart towards one particular character. If you share that sentiment, have a stiff drink ready before you delve in!
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
Rolling out in two separate timelines, the mid-nineties and today, we get transported straight into the lives of two men, Alex and Rick, whose lives will spectacularly intersect later in the book. This is all I am willing to say – you really should go into this one blind and let you take it along its winding dangerous path (which incidentally also features in the story).
Cleverly constructed and tricking you by its innocuous beginning, THE ONLY SUSPECT was one of those psychological thrillers I couldn’t put down until I had all the answers. If you love mysteries where nothing is quite what it seems and every character has a secret to guard, then this is definitely the right book for you!
PS: I never give trigger warnings, but you may get a laugh out of this one: I think I have a phobia of house guests that overstay their welcome, because there was a part in the book where I felt myself becoming very anxious, with sweating palms and a racing heart, and perhaps discovering some slightly murderous tendencies within my own heart towards one particular character. If you share that sentiment, have a stiff drink ready before you delve in!
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
July 20, 2023
Alex leidt een fijn leven met zijn vrouw Beth in een mooie Londense buitenwijk. Hij is wat op zichzelf, maar wel vriendelijk; een goede echtgenoot en buurman.
Dan wordt er aangekondigd dat de rommelige strook bosjes tegenover hun huis plaats gaat maken voor een mooi wandelpad. Dat zal de buurt meer aanzien geven en de huizenprijzen ten goede komen, dus iedereen is blij. Iedereen, behalve Alex. Die lijkt ineens wel een ander persoon; hij is chagrijnig en onrustig.
Het probleem is dat Alex die bosjes heel goed kent van vijfentwintig jaar geleden, en dat daar een groot geheim begraven ligt. Een geheim waar hij al heel lang voor op de vlucht is en dat het einde van zijn zorgvuldig opgebouwde leven kan betekenen.
'Tweede leven' heeft twee verschillende verhaallijnen. Zo lees je vanuit Alex in het heden, en vanuit Rick in 1995. Alex is gelukkig getrouwd met Beth en ze wonen in een mooie wijk, vlakbij een gebied met een heleboel bosjes. Het verhaal begint eigenlijk meteen al met de mededeling dat er iets aan deze bosjes wordt gedaan en je leest dat Alex dit absoluut niet ziet zitten. Hij draagt namelijk een geheim met zich mee, maar wat dat precies is?
Vervolgens maak je steeds sprongen naar 1995 en je leert hier Rick kennen. Hij leert een vrouw kennen en al vrij snel voelt hij zich tot haar aangetrokken. Ik kan helaas niet teveel vertellen over deze periode, maar dingen lopen helemaal uit de hand. De ontwikkeling van de verschillende personages is wel enorm interessant en ik voelde continu een bepaalde spanning.
Ook vroeg ik mij af wat het verleden en het heden met elkaar te maken hadden. Ik had namelijk een vermoeden en dit bleek gedeeltelijk goed, MAAR... er kwam op het einde echt nog een plottwist aan die ik dus absoluut niet aan had zien komen!
'Tweede leven' is niet echt een superspannende thriller en ik zou ook dit verhaal eerder psychologisch noemen. Het leest supervlot en de afwisseling tussen het heden en het verleden vond ik echt goed in elkaar steken (vooral het verleden vond ik heel erg interessant). Uiteindelijk valt alles op zijn plek.
Heel erg bedankt voor dit recensie-exemplaar @uitgeverijvolt!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐
Dan wordt er aangekondigd dat de rommelige strook bosjes tegenover hun huis plaats gaat maken voor een mooi wandelpad. Dat zal de buurt meer aanzien geven en de huizenprijzen ten goede komen, dus iedereen is blij. Iedereen, behalve Alex. Die lijkt ineens wel een ander persoon; hij is chagrijnig en onrustig.
Het probleem is dat Alex die bosjes heel goed kent van vijfentwintig jaar geleden, en dat daar een groot geheim begraven ligt. Een geheim waar hij al heel lang voor op de vlucht is en dat het einde van zijn zorgvuldig opgebouwde leven kan betekenen.
'Tweede leven' heeft twee verschillende verhaallijnen. Zo lees je vanuit Alex in het heden, en vanuit Rick in 1995. Alex is gelukkig getrouwd met Beth en ze wonen in een mooie wijk, vlakbij een gebied met een heleboel bosjes. Het verhaal begint eigenlijk meteen al met de mededeling dat er iets aan deze bosjes wordt gedaan en je leest dat Alex dit absoluut niet ziet zitten. Hij draagt namelijk een geheim met zich mee, maar wat dat precies is?
Vervolgens maak je steeds sprongen naar 1995 en je leert hier Rick kennen. Hij leert een vrouw kennen en al vrij snel voelt hij zich tot haar aangetrokken. Ik kan helaas niet teveel vertellen over deze periode, maar dingen lopen helemaal uit de hand. De ontwikkeling van de verschillende personages is wel enorm interessant en ik voelde continu een bepaalde spanning.
Ook vroeg ik mij af wat het verleden en het heden met elkaar te maken hadden. Ik had namelijk een vermoeden en dit bleek gedeeltelijk goed, MAAR... er kwam op het einde echt nog een plottwist aan die ik dus absoluut niet aan had zien komen!
'Tweede leven' is niet echt een superspannende thriller en ik zou ook dit verhaal eerder psychologisch noemen. Het leest supervlot en de afwisseling tussen het heden en het verleden vond ik echt goed in elkaar steken (vooral het verleden vond ik heel erg interessant). Uiteindelijk valt alles op zijn plek.
Heel erg bedankt voor dit recensie-exemplaar @uitgeverijvolt!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐
October 6, 2023
*Deceptions*
This story seemed like it was going to be slow paced but there were so many things that were not as it seemed. It is told over two timelines in the past in the mid 90’s to the present.
In the present we have Alex who seems to be coasting along in married bliss with his wife Beth. He lives in Silver Vale, he is not the friendliest of men but makes an effort.
Suddenly the undercurrent of fear he has been hiding starts to bubble up to the surface. The very area that has housed a dark secret threatens to come to the surface. Beth who is unaware of his past tells him that there will be a nature trail. Alex is uneasy as his past maybe coming back to haunt him. Soon his mood and character change to the point that Beth no longer recognises the man he is becoming. To make matters worse Beth inserts a friend Zara who is going to be homeless after a bad breakup and is pregnant. Beth cannot have children and Alex cannot stand Zara and their interactions made me laugh. Things like thinking the pregnancy is a fake bump and he talks to the woman without tact too. All a bit cringeworthy but it made me laugh and cringe at the same time lol
His past includes Marina who is not who she seems and as the story goes on we find out that there is a reason why Alex wants to keep a low profile as there is a twist.
This story seemed like it was going to be slow paced but there were so many things that were not as it seemed. It is told over two timelines in the past in the mid 90’s to the present.
In the present we have Alex who seems to be coasting along in married bliss with his wife Beth. He lives in Silver Vale, he is not the friendliest of men but makes an effort.
Suddenly the undercurrent of fear he has been hiding starts to bubble up to the surface. The very area that has housed a dark secret threatens to come to the surface. Beth who is unaware of his past tells him that there will be a nature trail. Alex is uneasy as his past maybe coming back to haunt him. Soon his mood and character change to the point that Beth no longer recognises the man he is becoming. To make matters worse Beth inserts a friend Zara who is going to be homeless after a bad breakup and is pregnant. Beth cannot have children and Alex cannot stand Zara and their interactions made me laugh. Things like thinking the pregnancy is a fake bump and he talks to the woman without tact too. All a bit cringeworthy but it made me laugh and cringe at the same time lol
His past includes Marina who is not who she seems and as the story goes on we find out that there is a reason why Alex wants to keep a low profile as there is a twist.
April 14, 2023
Super compelling crime writing- this is my fave Louise Candlish book I have read yet. It’s got dual timelines, a hidden past, domestic drama of many varieties, a bit of murder. I picked PART of the twist quite early and was feeling VERY smug about it- but the ending still got me. A couple of threads didn’t quite resolve enough for me, but I suspect it would have been too neat if everything had been perfectly wound up. A delight.
August 26, 2024
A relatively slow burn for this type of story, it was entertaining and twistier than I expected, I liked it, 4 stars.
April 22, 2023
this was my first Candlish and i had pretty high expectations bc she’s one of the most popular UK thriller authors. this one took SO long to get going, nothing really picks up until the 50% mark - 200 pages into a 400 page thriller. and for me personally the story itself just wasn’t interesting or twisty enough to warrant such a long drawn out book.
November 22, 2022
The Only Suspect by Louise Candlish is a slow burning book that really takes off at least half way through the book. Then there are so many twists and turns that you could be forgiven for losing track of what is going on.
I didn’t like the main male character, Alex and then realised I wasn’t keen on any of the main characters.
It took me a while to actually enjoy reading this book and I have to admit it wasn’t my favourite read by Louise Candlish but I did finish it and will read other books by the author in future.
Recommended
I didn’t like the main male character, Alex and then realised I wasn’t keen on any of the main characters.
It took me a while to actually enjoy reading this book and I have to admit it wasn’t my favourite read by Louise Candlish but I did finish it and will read other books by the author in future.
Recommended
February 16, 2025
Clever plot, great writing, complex, twisted story with dual timeline, interesting if unlikeable characters so seemingly all the right ingredients for a great story. And yet, as good as it is, I just couldn't quite get into it. Something didn't quite work for me. So a solid three stars because it is good, it's just not for me.
May 5, 2023
A slow burn that kept me entertained. All was going well until the TWIST came and I had to close the book and regain my composure. (Jaw hitting the floor!)
Not many books can leave me speechless but this one sure did. I am not sure how anyone can see this twist coming. Bravo to Louisa Candlish. A brilliant read at 4.5 stars.
Not many books can leave me speechless but this one sure did. I am not sure how anyone can see this twist coming. Bravo to Louisa Candlish. A brilliant read at 4.5 stars.
February 16, 2023
3.5⭐️ When a nature trail is being built on an area that has been disused for year's Alex starts to worry. He is afraid a secret that he has kept will be discovered and his comfortable suburban life with his wife Beth will be destroyed.
Told over 2 timelines with 2 different POV’s the present follows Alex and the 1990’s where we are introduced to Rick. What is the connection between the 2?
The story as it unfolds is a slow burn that felt a little bit too drawn out to get to the final twist for me. I wish it was a little bit more fast-paced. If you like more slow drawn out thrillers that are very character driven definitely check this one out.
Told over 2 timelines with 2 different POV’s the present follows Alex and the 1990’s where we are introduced to Rick. What is the connection between the 2?
The story as it unfolds is a slow burn that felt a little bit too drawn out to get to the final twist for me. I wish it was a little bit more fast-paced. If you like more slow drawn out thrillers that are very character driven definitely check this one out.
February 15, 2023
The Only Suspect by Louise Candlish is described as a ‘cautionary tale of obsession, love, jealousy and deception'. Alex and Beth are happily married in a London suburb. With no children, Beth involves herself in her local community to distract her. One such activity is the proposed development of a walking trail on a disused piece of track behind the estate where they live. To date it has been a place to avoid, a place that attracts a more unsavoury character but now the community are looking to take back the track and establish a nature spot. Beth is excited. Alex is fearful. But why?
Beth has always known and accepted that there is a part of Alex that he chooses not to share. She is an open book but understands that others are different. Alex never actively mingles with the neighbours, he steers clear of social media and, although not a loner, he does keep to himself. To date this has never been an issue. As the saying goes, opposites attract. But Alex is stressed. Something is putting him on edge and, as the chapters progress, we get insights into Alex’s early years and the secrets he has kept buried, hidden from Beth and others.
The Only Suspect is a book that just stopped short of being a great read. There were some surprising reveals but there were also some that were just a little too outlandish for me. Alex raised my heckles from the get go whereas Beth was just too accepting, blinded by what I can only assume was love. When her friend Zara landed into the picture I did have a moment of complete confusion. I just couldn’t grasp her role in the story and, aside from that, she was so very annoying.
The Only Suspect has a few decent twists and a plot with great potential but, unfortunately, it just fell short of the mark. Louise Candlish has written a good novel but I do think it could have been a great novel with a few minor tweaks.
Beth has always known and accepted that there is a part of Alex that he chooses not to share. She is an open book but understands that others are different. Alex never actively mingles with the neighbours, he steers clear of social media and, although not a loner, he does keep to himself. To date this has never been an issue. As the saying goes, opposites attract. But Alex is stressed. Something is putting him on edge and, as the chapters progress, we get insights into Alex’s early years and the secrets he has kept buried, hidden from Beth and others.
The Only Suspect is a book that just stopped short of being a great read. There were some surprising reveals but there were also some that were just a little too outlandish for me. Alex raised my heckles from the get go whereas Beth was just too accepting, blinded by what I can only assume was love. When her friend Zara landed into the picture I did have a moment of complete confusion. I just couldn’t grasp her role in the story and, aside from that, she was so very annoying.
The Only Suspect has a few decent twists and a plot with great potential but, unfortunately, it just fell short of the mark. Louise Candlish has written a good novel but I do think it could have been a great novel with a few minor tweaks.
February 4, 2023
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💭This book is phenomenal. The twists and turns it takes had me gasping and wondering how it will all end because there are so many things and scenes that i haven't predicted.
Told in dual timelines, the writing and pace is perfectly balanced with the ongoing suspense and character development.
We have a young man in his twenties in 1995 that falls in love with a neighbor and an older man , Alex that is happily married and living a quieter life. The council town has approved a nature trail project that crosses his backyard and that's when his quiet life starts to be not so quiet.
In the beginning I was wondering what's the connection to these two men for the now storyline and soon we learn that there are many secrets buried in the past that will be unveiled. After half point mark I got the dreaded feeling that I knew what's actually happening and I wasn't wrong in the end. But there are so many other twists that left me reeling from it all.
It's addictive and so twisted that makes it an unmissable read.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
💭This book is phenomenal. The twists and turns it takes had me gasping and wondering how it will all end because there are so many things and scenes that i haven't predicted.
Told in dual timelines, the writing and pace is perfectly balanced with the ongoing suspense and character development.
We have a young man in his twenties in 1995 that falls in love with a neighbor and an older man , Alex that is happily married and living a quieter life. The council town has approved a nature trail project that crosses his backyard and that's when his quiet life starts to be not so quiet.
In the beginning I was wondering what's the connection to these two men for the now storyline and soon we learn that there are many secrets buried in the past that will be unveiled. After half point mark I got the dreaded feeling that I knew what's actually happening and I wasn't wrong in the end. But there are so many other twists that left me reeling from it all.
It's addictive and so twisted that makes it an unmissable read.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
February 20, 2023
So disappointed in this. Was really looking forward to it. Have enjoyed many of her books (Other Passenger was fab and a fave) but this was dire. Boring and questionable storyline and it dragged on and on.
Why would you track down your husbands family on a DNA site without his knowledge? Oh, and lets invite a homeless colleague in to our home, who happens to be pregnant, without discussing it first. I can't actually get pregnant myself but seeing her every day will do me no end of good and put another dimension to our already rocky marriage. Commit a mystery writers' mortal sin of a name change to the mix too, which is a HUGE bug bear of mine.
No surprise who the bad boy was and even in the end, he didn't get his just desserts. And neither really did she. (Whatever her name was-she had that many.)
Felt like an eternity to read. I honestly don't know why this mish mash of a book has Lisa Jewell on the cover saying it was her best one yet. Replace best with worst. And one last thing, were pagers that much of a thing in the 90's?
Why would you track down your husbands family on a DNA site without his knowledge? Oh, and lets invite a homeless colleague in to our home, who happens to be pregnant, without discussing it first. I can't actually get pregnant myself but seeing her every day will do me no end of good and put another dimension to our already rocky marriage. Commit a mystery writers' mortal sin of a name change to the mix too, which is a HUGE bug bear of mine.
No surprise who the bad boy was and even in the end, he didn't get his just desserts. And neither really did she. (Whatever her name was-she had that many.)
Felt like an eternity to read. I honestly don't know why this mish mash of a book has Lisa Jewell on the cover saying it was her best one yet. Replace best with worst. And one last thing, were pagers that much of a thing in the 90's?
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